Impact protection and shock absorbing device

ABSTRACT

An impact protection device includes a support surface, a first plurality of flexible spines and a second plurality of flexible spines. Each of the first and second plurality of spines have a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extends in a longitudinal direction upwardly from the support surface at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each an overhang over the support surface. Each of the second plurality of spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring spine of the first plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of the first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward the support surface, the first plurality of flexible spines contacts the second plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT/US2016/052760, filed Sep. 21, 2016, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which claims the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/221,783, filed Sep. 22, 2015, and 62/356,243, filed Jun. 29, 2016, and both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present application generally relates to an impact protection and shock-absorbing device. Some embodiments relate to an impact protection and shock-absorbing device having a plurality of flexible spines extending from a support surface. Other embodiments relate to an impact protection and shock-absorbing device having a first and a second plurality of flexible spines extending from a support surface. More particularly, the present application relates to an impact protection and shock-absorbing device which contains multiple pluralities of flexible spines which interact with one another upon a sufficient compressive force acting upon the spines.

BACKGROUND

A concussion is a mild form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). One in ten football players are diagnosed with a concussion each season and actual rates of concussion are much higher as an estimated five of six concussions go undiagnosed. Cumulative concussions increase the likelihood of permanent neurological disability by 39 percent. Today's top-of-the-line football helmets are fitted with safety liners consisting of foam, compressible plastic modules, air filled chambers, or slip plane technologies. These helmets provide sufficient protection against penetrating head injuries such as skull-fractures, but they do not provide sufficient protection against acceleration-based head injuries such as concussions.

These commercialized solutions have two major shortcomings. First, they do not adequately protect against angular acceleration, despite a strong consensus among researchers that angular acceleration is more damaging to the brain. Second, most lack multi-hit durability. Foam rapidly loses its spring-back capability, air filled chambers constantly lose pressure, and slip plane technologies frictionally degrade underlying layers.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an impact protection and shock-absorbing device which does not have all of the shortfalls of current solutions and which incorporates a design to allow for protective spines to come into contact with one another so that the compressive forces and/or shear forces received are absorbed through one another through a domino effect.

SUMMARY

In a first example, the present application provides an impact protection device comprising a support surface; a first plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending in a longitudinal direction upwardly from said support surface, from said base end to said distal end, at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said first plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface; and c. a second plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending upwardly from said support surface from said base end to said distal end at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said second plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface, and wherein each of said second plurality of spines extends such that each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said first plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of said first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward said support surface, said first plurality of flexible spines contacts said second plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.

In a second example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in the first embodiment, further comprising a third plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending upwardly from said support surface from said base end to said distal end at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said third plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface, each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends such that each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said first plurality of flexible spines and the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said second plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of said first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward said support surface, a respective one of said first plurality of flexible spines contacts a respective neighboring one of said second plurality of flexible spines and said one of said second plurality of flexible spines contacts a respective neighboring one of said third plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.

In a third example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in either the first or second embodiment, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.

In a fourth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through third embodiments, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends at a positively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends at a negatively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.

In a fifth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through fourth embodiments, wherein an angle of 0 degrees is defined as the longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines and wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends between about 10 and 60 degrees and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends between about −10 and about −60 degrees.

In a sixth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through fifth embodiments, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends at a negatively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends at a positively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.

In a seventh example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through sixth embodiments, wherein an angle of 0 degrees is defined as the longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines and wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends between about −10 and −60 degrees and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends between about 10 and about 60 degrees.

In an eighth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through seventh embodiments, wherein a row of said first plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a first row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction.

In a ninth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through eighth embodiments, wherein a row of said second plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a second row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first row in said longitudinal direction.

In a tenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through ninth embodiments, wherein a row of said third plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a third row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction and spaced apart from both said first row and second row in said longitudinal direction.

In an eleventh example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through tenth embodiments, wherein the support surface defines a plane and equates to an angle of 0 degrees and each of the first plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

In a twelfth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through eleventh embodiments, wherein the support surface defines a plane and equates to an angle of 0 degrees and each of the second plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

In a thirteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through twelfth embodiments, wherein the support surface defines a plane and equates to an angle of 0 degrees and each of the third plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

In a fourteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through thirteenth embodiments, wherein the spines from the first plurality, the second plurality, and the third plurality have shapes selected from the group consisting of a uniform shape from its base to its distal end, a base that is wider than its distal end, a base that is narrower than its distal end, or combinations thereof

In a fifteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through fourteenth embodiments, wherein the bases of the spines from the first plurality, the second plurality, and the third plurality are connected to the support surface with either a fixed connection, a flexible connection, or a combination thereof.

In a sixteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through fifteenth embodiments, wherein the device further comprises a second support surface and wherein the distal ends of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines are either each connected to the second support surface, are each in contact with the second surface, or a combination thereof.

In a seventeenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through sixteenth embodiments, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines are composed of materials selected from the group consisting of elastomeric material, polymeric material, a shape memory material, a self-healing material, or any combination thereof.

In an eighteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through seventeenth embodiments, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines are composed of both a hard material and a low density material.

In a nineteenth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through eighteenth embodiments, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines contain both longitudinal stiffeners and radial stiffeners, just longitudinal stiffeners and not radial stiffeners, just radial stiffeners and not longitudinal stiffeners, neither longitudinal stiffeners or radial stiffeners, or any combination thereof.

In a twentieth example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through nineteenth embodiments, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines has an elastic modulus of between about 1 GPa and about 10 GPa or any combination thereof.

In a twenty-first example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through twentieth embodiments, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines has a length to width ratio of between about 5:1 and about 25:1.

In a twenty-second example, the present application provides an impact protection device as in any of the first through twenty-first embodiments, wherein spines of the first plurality of spines, the spines of the second plurality of spines, and the spines of the third plurality of spines are packed on the device at between about 1 and 100 spines per square inch.

In a twenty-third example, the present application provides a load-bearing member comprising: a cylindrical tubular body having longitudinal length and an interior defining an interior volume; and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners having longitudinal length and extending along radial lines from the cylindrical tubular body into the interior volume toward a center axial line, said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners ending prior to said center axial line so as to define channels between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners.

In a twenty-fourth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in the twenty-third embodiment, further comprising a plurality of radial stiffeners within said interior volume and extending at periodic positions along the longitudinal length of said cylindrical tubular body, wherein said plurality of radial stiffeners are disc shaped and extend into said channels.

In a twenty-fifth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in either the twenty-third or twenty-fourth embodiment, wherein said plurality of radial stiffeners each extend completely across the entirety of the interior volume.

In a twenty-sixth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through twenty-fifth embodiments, wherein the plurality of radial stiffeners are without apertures such that neighboring ones of said plurality of radial stiffeners create distinct chambers between them.

In a twenty-seventh example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through twenty-sixth embodiments, wherein said cylindrical tubular body defines a radius at said interior and said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners extend into the interior volume toward said center axial line at a length of from 25 to 95 percent of the radius.

In a twenty-eighth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through twenty-seventh embodiments, wherein said cylindrical tubular body defines a circumference at said interior, and each of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned about the circumference such that neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned at from 90 to 10 radial degrees from each other.

In a twenty-ninth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through twenty-eighth embodiments, wherein said cylindrical tubular body defines a circumference at said interior, and each of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned about the circumference such that neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned at from 45 to 10 radial degrees from each other.

In a thirtieth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through twenty-ninth embodiments, wherein the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned at regular intervals around said circumference.

In a thirty-first example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through thirtieth embodiments, wherein the material forming the load-bearing member has a modulus of from 1 GPa or more to 10 GPa or less.

In a thirty-second example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through thirty-first embodiments, wherein said cylindrical body defines and exterior surface, said exterior surface being corrugated.

In a thirty-third example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through thirty-second embodiments, wherein said corrugated exterior surface defines ridges between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners and defines grooves where each one of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners extend from said cylindrical tubular body, and said ridges form a surface of said channels.

In a thirty-fourth example, the present application provides a load-bearing member as in any of the twenty-third through thirty-third embodiments, further comprising an interior circumferential wall at which said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners end and wherein said circumferential wall forms a surface of each said channel formed between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an example embodiment of an impact protection device of the present application;

FIG. 1B is an additional top plan view of an example embodiment of an impact protection device of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a single spine of the present application;

FIG. 3A is a side schematic view showing an example embodiment of the interaction of three separate spines extending from a planar support surface;

FIG. 3B is a side schematic view showing an example embodiment of the interaction of three separate spines extending from a curved support surface;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view showing the interaction of a single spine from a first plurality of flexible spines and a single spine from a second plurality of flexible spines;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view showing the interaction of a single spine from a first plurality of flexible spines, a single spine from a second plurality of flexible spines, and a single spine from a third plurality of flexible spines;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view used to show how spines can be aligned and oriented in some example embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 6A is a side schematic view of a single spine having a uniform diameter;

FIG. 6B is a side schematic view of a single spine wherein the base is wider than the distal end;

FIG. 6C is a side schematic view of a single spine wherein the base of the spine starts off in a straight manner, and then the spine tapers off at an angle;

FIG. 6D is a side schematic of a single spine wherein the single spine is curved;

FIG. 7A is a side schematic of a single spine having a fixed connection to a support surface;

FIG. 7B is a side schematic of a single spine having a flexible connection to a support surface;

FIG. 8A is a side schematic of a single spine wherein the distal end of the single spine is in contact with, but not connected to, a second surface;

FIG. 8B is a side schematic of a single spine wherein the distal end of the single spine is connected to a second surface;

FIG. 9A is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9B is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9C is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9D is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9E is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9F is a orthogonal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10A is a longitudinal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10B is a longitudinal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10C is a longitudinal cross section of a single spine of one example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view showing an example embodiment of the interaction of three separate spines extending from a planar support surface;

FIG. 12A is a longitudinal cross section of one example embodiment of a load-bearing member of the present application; and

FIG. 12B is a longitudinal cross section of one example embodiment of a load-bearing member of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-5, an example embodiment of an impact protection and shock-absorbing device is shown and designated by the numeral 10. As used herein, shock absorption is comprised of interception of linear or rotational impact forces. Impact forces are transferred to stored, mechanical energy by one or more arrangements of flexible members as will be detailed below. Engineered selection and arrangement of such flexible members in the various example embodiments below facilities controlled deceleration by directing energy into deflection of spring-like spines. Deflected spines can then return to a pre-deflection position after impact as stored energy is returned. Certain portions of impact energy may also be dissipated via heat during spine flexure. As will be detailed below, it will be understood that combinations of spines are suitably implemented to have synergistic impact absorption features.

The device 10 includes a support surface 12 from which extend an array of flexible spines to provide shock absorption. A first plurality of flexible spines is shown and designated by the numeral 14, with each spine of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 being separately identified with a lower case letter, as in spines 14 a, 14 b, 14 c. Each spine is secured to the support surface 12 at a base 16, and each has a length 1 defined from base 16 to a distal end 18, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown with respect to spine 14 a in the side schematic elevational view of FIG. 3A, each of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 extends upwardly from the support surface 12 at an angle Al that is less than 90 degrees such that each of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 creates an overhang 20 over the support surface 12.

In one or more example embodiments, A1 is 80 degrees or less. In other example embodiments, A1 is 70 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 65 degree or less, in other example embodiments, 60 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 55 degrees or less, and, in other example embodiments, 50 degrees or less. In some example embodiments, A1 is 20 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 30 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 40 degrees or more, and, in other example embodiments, 45 degrees or more. In some example embodiments, A1 is from 20 degrees or more to 80 degrees or less. In other example embodiments, A1 is from 30 degrees or more to 70 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, from 40 degrees or more to 60 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, about 45 degrees and in yet other example embodiment, about 60 degrees. Al may be the same or different for each spine of the first plurality of flexible spines 14.

Although a planar support surface 12 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, curved support surfaces can also be employed, as seen in FIG. 3B, showing use of a curved support surface 112, with all other elements being identified the same as in the planar support surface example embodiments. In FIG. 3B, the angle Al is measured relative to a tangent line t drawn where the base of a spine contacts the support surface 112 (spine 14 a being shown in FIG. 3B.) References to the spines extending upwardly should be interpreted in light of this understanding with respect to curved support surfaces.

A second plurality of flexible spines is shown and designated by the numeral 24 with each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 being separately identified with a lower case letter, as in spines 24 a, 24 b, 24 c. Each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 is secured to the support surface 12 at a base 26, and each has a length defined from base 26 to a distal end 28, similar to the length 1 of each flexible spine 14 of the first plurality of spines as shown in FIG. 2. The length of the spines of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 may be the same or different from the length of the spines of the first plurality of flexible spines. In some example embodiments, the length is the same. As seen in the side schematic elevational view of FIG. 3A, each of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 extends upwardly from the support surface 12 at an angle A2 that is less than 90 degrees such that each of the first plurality of flexible spines 24 creates an overhang 30 over the support surface 12.

FIG. 3A shown a side schematic view of the angles A1, A2, and A3 formed by each spine 14, 24, and 34 of each respective plurality of flexible spines. A more realistic side elevational view of each spine 14, 24, and 34 of each respective plurality of flexible spines, when each spine 24 of said second plurality of flexible spines extends at a transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of each spine 14 of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each spine 34 of said third plurality of flexible spines also extends at a transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of each spine 14 of said first plurality of flexible spines, is shown in FIG. 11.

In one or more example embodiments, A2 is 80 degrees or less. In other example embodiments, A2 is 70 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 65 degree or less, in other example embodiments, 60 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 55 degrees or less, and, in other example embodiments, 50 degrees or less. In some example embodiments, A2 is 20 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 30 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 40 degrees or more, and, in other example embodiments, 45 degrees or more. A2 may be the same or different for each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines 24. In some example embodiments, each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 extends at the same angle, A2. A2 may be the same as or different from the angle A1 of the first plurality of flexible spines 14. In some example embodiments, A2 is the same as A1 for all of the first and second plurality of flexible spines 14, 24.

Each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 extends at an angle θ that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 such that each of the second plurality of flexible spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of the first plurality of flexible spines 14. This is seen by way of example in FIG. 1B, wherein the spines of the second plurality of spines 24 extend under respective neighboring spines of the first plurality of spines 14. Consequently, upon sufficient compression of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 in a downward direction toward the support surface 12 the first plurality of flexible spines 14 will come into contact with the second plurality of flexible spines 24 and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby through a domino effect.

With reference to FIG. 4A, a spine 14 a of the first plurality of flexible spines 14, and a spine 24 a of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 create a spine assembly 50 achieving the domino effect. This spine assembly 50 is repeated to cover the necessary portion of the support surface that is to be protected (i.e., the surface needing to have the shock absorption function). A three-member spine assembly 55, such as that shown in the specific example embodiment of FIG. 4B, is also possible, as are assemblies with four or more spines interacting in a similar domino effect manner. The third spine of a three-member assembly is next addressed.

In some example embodiments, a third plurality of flexible spines is employed, as shown and designated by the numeral 34 with each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 being separately identified with a lower case letter, as in spines 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c. Each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 is secured to the support surface 12 at a base 36, and each has a length defined from base 36 to a distal end 38, similar to the length 1 of each flexible spine 14 of the first plurality of spines as shown in FIG. 2. The length of the spines of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 may be the same or different from the length of the spines of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 and the second plurality of spines 24. In some example embodiments, the length is the same. As seen in the side elevational view of FIG. 3, each of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 extends upwardly from the support surface 12 at an angle A3 that is less than 90 degrees such that each of the first plurality of flexible spines 34 creates an overhang 40 over the support surface 12.

In one or more example embodiments, A3 is 80 degrees or less. In other example embodiments, A3 is 70 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 65 degree or less, in other example embodiments, 60 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 55 degrees or less, and, in other example embodiments, 50 degrees or less. In some example embodiments, A3 is 20 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 30 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 40 degrees or more, and, in other example embodiments, 45 degrees or more. A3 may be the same or different for each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34. In some example embodiments, each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 extends at the same angle. A3 may be the same as or different from the angle A1 of the first plurality of flexible spines 14. In some example embodiments, A3 is the same as A1 for all of the first and third plurality of flexible spines 14, 34.

Each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 extends at an angle θ′ that is transverse to both the longitudinal direction of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 and the longitudinal direction of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 such that each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 and the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of the second plurality of flexible spines 24. This is seen by way of example in FIG. 1B, wherein spines of the third plurality of flexible spines 34 extend under both the spines of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 and under the respective neighboring spines of the first plurality of flexible spines 14. Consequently, upon sufficient compression of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 in a downward direction toward the support surface 12 the first plurality of flexible spines 14 will come into contact with the second plurality of flexible spines 24, and the second plurality of flexible spines 24 will in turn come into contact with the third plurality of flexible spines 34, and the compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby through an enhanced domino effect.

In some example embodiments, and as schematically represented in FIG. 4B, the spines of one of the second and third plurality of flexible spines, 24 and 34 respectively, extends at a positive transverse angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first plurality of flexible spines, and the other of the second and third plurality of flexible spines, 24 and 34 respectively, extends at a negative transverse angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first plurality of flexible spines. This is achieved by placing each spine of the second plurality of flexible spines on a different side of a respective neighboring spine of the first plurality of spines as compared to the associated one of each spine of the third plurality of flexible spines. This is described herein by using the “negative” and “positive” descriptions, which are taken relative to the longitudinal direction of the spines of the first plurality of flexible spines. Negatively transverse is understood as extending at an angle that is less than 0 degrees, wherein an angle of 0 degrees is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first plurality of flexible spines 14, as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In other example embodiments, it is contemplated that the spines 24 of the second plurality of flexible spines extend parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said spines 14 of the first plurality of flexible spines, and each spine 24 of said third plurality of flexible spines also extends parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said spines 14 of said first plurality of flexible spines. Similar to the arrangement of spines shown in FIG. 4B, upon sufficient compression of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 in a downward direction toward the support surface 12 the first plurality of flexible spines 14 will come into contact with the second plurality of flexible spines 24, and the second plurality of flexible spines 24 will in turn come into contact with the third plurality of flexible spines 34, and the compressive forces and/or shear forces are adsorbed thereby through an enhanced domino effect.

In one specific example embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, spine 14 a is shown interacting with respective neighboring spines 24 a and 34 a, with spine 14 a providing the referenced longitudinal direction relative to which spine 24 a extends in a negative transverse angle θ and relative to which spine 34 a extends in a positive transverse angle θ′. The absolute values of θ and θ′ may be the same or different.

In some example embodiments, θ is −10 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, −20 degrees or less, and, in yet other example embodiments, −30 degrees or less. In some example embodiments, θ is −60 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, −40 degrees or more, and, in yet other example embodiments, −20 degrees or more. In some example embodiments, θ is from −10 to −60 degrees and in other example embodiments from −20 to −40 degrees.

In some example embodiments, θ′ is 10 degrees or more, in other example embodiments, 20 degrees or more, and, in yet other example embodiments, 30 degrees. In some example embodiments, θ′ is 60 degrees or less, in other example embodiments, 40 degrees or less, and, in yet other example embodiments, 20 degrees or less. In some example embodiments, θ is from 10 to 60 degrees and in other example embodiments from 20 to 40 degrees.

Although the example embodiment of the device 10 shown in FIG. 1A contains three different pluralities of flexible spines, specifically the first plurality of flexible spines 14, the second plurality of flexible spines 24, and the third plurality of flexible spines 34, in other example embodiments it is contemplated that other devices could contain only one plurality of flexible spines, in another example embodiment other devices could contain two different pluralities of flexible spines, and in yet other example embodiments other devices could contain more than three different pluralities of flexible spines.

Although the example embodiment of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-5 show each spine 14, 24, and 34 of each respective plurality of spines as being the same length, these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale because in actuality the spines 14 of the first plurality of spines would be viewed as longer than the spines 24 and 24 of the second and third plurality of spines, which in FIGS. 1A-5 are shown as extending in directions transverse to the page, or in other words, going in and out of the page.

In some example embodiments, and as indicated by the dashed line marked R1 in FIG. 5, each base 16 of each spine (e.g., 14 a, 14 b, 14 c) of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 is generally aligned with the others to provide a first row R1 that extends in a direction that is transverse to the referenced longitudinal direction. In some example embodiments, each base 26 of each spine (e.g., 24 a, 24 b, 24 c) of the second plurality of flexible spines 24 is generally aligned with the others to provide a second row R2 that extends in a direction that is transverse to the referenced longitudinal direction, and R2 is spaced apart from row R1 in said longitudinal direction at a distance Dl. In some example embodiments, each base 36 of each spine (34 a, 34 b, 34 c) of the third plurality of spines 34 is generally aligned with the others to provide a third row R3 that extends in a direction that is transverse to the referenced longitudinal direction and which is spaced apart from both row R1 and R2 in the longitudinal direction, with a distance D2 between row R2 and R3, and thus a distance D1+D2 between R1 and R3.

In some example embodiments, the transverse direction of the rows R1, R2, R3 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction defined by the extension of the spines of the first plurality of flexible spines 14 from their base to distal ends.

Having described in detail the various ways in which various pluralities of spines can be configured in accordance with this application, alternate designs for the spines themselves are now disclosed, though the present application is not to be limited to or by any specific spine structures disclosed herein. With the understanding that the multitude of spines employed in accordance with this application can be the same or different with respect to the spine structures herein disclosed, only a single spine, herein designated as spine 114, is focused upon, with the understanding that the structures disclosed are applicable to all spines.

With reference to FIG. 6A, a single spine 114 can have a uniform shape from the base 116 to the distal end 118. With reference to FIG. 6B a single spine 114′ can include a base 116′ that is wider than the distal end 118′. In other example embodiments, a single spine can include a base and a distal end that are wider than at the midsection of a spine, and in yet other example embodiments a single spine can include a base and a distal end that are narrower than at the midsection of a spine.

With reference to FIG. 6A, a spine 114 can be generally straight and made to extend from the support surface 112 at an angle. In other example embodiments, as seen in the side elevational view of FIG. 6C, a spine 114″ can be made to extend from the support surface 112 at a curve, or in other words the base 116″ of the spine 114″ starts off in a straight manner, and then the spine tapers off at an angle. In yet other example embodiments, as seen in the side elevational view of FIG. 6D, a spine 114′″ can be curved. Furthermore, in some example embodiments of the present application, it is contemplated that the manner in which the spines extend from the support surface or the manner in which the distal end of the spine is angled relative to the base of the spine may vary with each individual spine within each plurality of spines.

In one or more example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A, each base of each spine of each plurality of spines is connected to a support surface with a fixed connection. A fixed connection is defined as a connection between each spine and the support surface wherein all three degrees of freedom of the spine are restrained with respect to the support member and the spine, aside from any natural flexibility of the spine base itself. In one or more example embodiments, the spines can be formed integrally with the support surface, such as by molding and or by an additive manufacturing means such as 3D-printing.

In one or more example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7B each base of each spine of each plurality of spines is connected to a support surface with a flexible connection. A flexible connection is defined as a connection between each spine and the support surface wherein all three degrees of freedom of the spine can move with respect to the support member and the spine, in addition to any natural flexibility of the spine or base itself. In some example embodiments, each base of each spine of each plurality of spines is connected to a support surface with a fixed connection, a flexible connection, or a combination thereof. What is meant by a combination thereof is that in some example embodiments of the present application, it is contemplated that the manner in which the spines are connected to the support surface may vary with each individual spine within each plurality of spines.

In one or more example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8A it is contemplated that the distal end 118 of the single spine 114 will be in contact with, but not connected to, a second surface 122. In yet other example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8B the second surface 122′ will be connected to the distal end 118′ of the single spine 114′. The second surface 122′ will help evenly compress the spine 114′ when a compressive force and/or shear forces is applied to a device.

In one example embodiment, the device as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is used as in a sports helmet such as a football helmet. In such an example embodiment, the support surface 112 would be closest to the head of the user of the helmet, either being in direct contact with the head of the user, or being separated from the head of the user with one or more distinct layers of padding and or plastic. The second surface 122 would be closest to the hard exterior shell found in most football helmets. The second surface 122 would either be in direct contact with the hard exterior shell, or be separated from the hard exterior shell with one or more distinct layers of padding and or plastic. In another similar example embodiment, the support surface 112 could be closest to the hard exterior shell and the second surface 122 could be closest to the head of the user of the helmet, which would make the spines “inward-facing”.

The spines may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as elastomeric material, polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In some example embodiments, each spine of each plurality of spines may be composed of a shape memory material and/or a self-healing material. In one example embodiment, each spine of each plurality of spines is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of Nylon, PET, PVC, POM, PEEK, PEI, PC, PSU, XENOY, blend of PC/PBT, blend of PC/PET, TPE, TPU or any combination thereof.

In one or more example embodiments, each spine of each plurality of spines may be composed of a combination of both hard material, suitably with a relatively high density and a softer material with a relatively low density. A low density material suitably includes a fluid such as water or air, in essence the spine would be largely hollow and air would fill the space(s) in an example embodiment. In some example embodiments wherein both hard material and low density material is employed, the low density material occupies the areas seen in example embodiments herein as being hollow.

FIGS. 9A to 9F show horizontal cross sections of a single spine and are representative of potential example embodiments wherein a single spine is composed of both a hard material and a low density material. In FIG. 9A, the entirety of the spine would be filled with a hard material. In FIGS. 9B, 9C and 9E, the shaded outer area comprises hard material whereas the center of the spines 114′, 114″, and 114″″ would be filled with a low density material. In FIGS. 9D and 9F, the dark solid lines represent areas of hard material within the single spines 114′″ and 114′″″ respectively, and the center of the spines and all cavities created by the location of the hard material, would be filled with a low density material.

In one or more example embodiments, it is contemplated that the interior of each individual spine within each plurality of spines may contain a unique internal morphology, may be solid, may be hollow, or any combination thereof. In one or more example embodiments, it is contemplated that the interior of each individual spine within each plurality of spines may contain a unique internal morphology, may be solid, may be hollow, or any combination thereof. FIG. 10A shows a longitudinal cross section of a spine designated as spine 214. Spine 214 is a solid spine, meaning that the entire interior 211 of the spine 214, from one side of the external wall 213 to the other side of the external wall 213 is completely filled with one or more of the suitable materials discussed above. FIG. 10B shows a longitudinal cross section of a spine designated as spine 214′. Spine 214′ contains two different materials, the external wall 213′ is formed of one material, for example a hard material, and the interior space 211′ of the spine 214′ contains either a low density material, or no material at all, meaning that the spine 214′ is filled with air.

FIG. 10C shows a longitudinal cross section of a particularly useful spine designated as spine 214″. Spine 214″ has a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 219 which extend around the external wall 213″. The interior of spine 214″ is generally hollow except that it contains a plurality of radial stiffeners 221. Although only two radial stiffeners 221 are shown, it is contemplated that more than two or less than two radial stiffeners 221 could be in each spine 214″. The longitudinal stiffeners 219 and the radial stiffeners 221 comprise the unique internal morphology of spine 214″. The unique internal morphology of spine 214″ contributes to a delayed onset of permanent deformation when the spine 214″ has a compressive force and/or shear forces applied to it. The longitudinal stiffeners 219 also increase the bending stiffness of the spine 214″ and the radial stiffeners 221 help to prevent buckling of the spine 214″. In one or more example embodiments each individual spine within each plurality of spines contains both longitudinal stiffeners and radial stiffeners, in other example embodiments each individual spine within each plurality of spines contains just longitudinal stiffeners and not radial stiffeners, each individual spine within each plurality of spines contains just radial stiffeners and no longitudinal stiffeners, each individual spine within each plurality of spines contains neither longitudinal stiffeners nor radial stiffeners, or any combination thereof.

The modulus of elasticity (also known as the elastic modulus, the tensile modulus, or Young's modulus) is a number that measures an object or substance's resistance to being deformed elastically (i.e., non-permanently), when a force is applied to it. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region. A stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus.

In one or more example embodiments, the elastic modulus of the spines may be the same or different, and each has an elastic modulus of 10 GPa or less, in other example embodiments, 8 GPa or less, and, in yet other example embodiments, 6 GPa or less. In one or more example embodiments, the elastic modulus of the spines may be the same or different, and each has an elastic modulus of 1 GPa or more, in other example embodiments, 3 GPa or more, and, in yet other example embodiments, 5 GPa or more. In one or more example embodiments, the elastic modulus of the spines may be the same or different, and each has an elastic modulus of from 1 GPa or more to 10 GPa or less, in other example embodiments, from 3 GPa or more to 8 GPa or less, and, in yet other example embodiments, from 5 GPa or more to 6 GPa or less.

In one or more example embodiments, the length to width ratio of each spine is the same or different, and each has a length to width ratio (wherein the width of the spine is measured at the midpoint of the spine) of less than or equal to 25:1, in other example embodiments less than or equal to 20:1, and in yet other example embodiments less than or equal to 15:1. In one or more example embodiments, each spine of each of the first plurality of spines 14, the second plurality of spines 24, and the third plurality of spines 34 has a length to width ratio of greater than or equal to 5:1, in other example embodiments greater than or equal to 8:1, and in yet other example embodiments greater than or equal to 10:1. In one or more example embodiments, each spine of each of the first plurality of spines 14, the second plurality of spines 24, and the third plurality of spines 34 has a length to width ratio of between about 5:1 and about 25:1, in other example embodiments between about 8:1 and about 24:1, and in yet other example embodiments between about 10:1 and 15:1.

In one or more example embodiments, each individual spine within each plurality of spines are packed on a device at less than about 100 spines per square inch, in other example embodiments at less than about 90 spines per square inch, and in yet other example embodiments at less than about 80 spines per square inch. In one or more example embodiments, each individual spine within each plurality of spines are packed on a device at greater than about 1 spine per square inch, in other example embodiments greater than about 5 spines per square inch, and in yet other example embodiments greater than about 10 spines per square inch. In one or more example embodiments, each individual spine within each plurality of spines are packed on a device at between about 1 and 100 spines per square inch, in other example embodiments between about 5 and 90 spines per square inch, and in yet other example embodiments between about 10 and 80 spines per square inch. In yet other example embodiments the spine density may vary across the entirety of the device.

In one or more example embodiments, the periphery of the spines of each individual spine within each plurality of spines can be in a variety of shapes such as conical, cylindrical, oval, and or any other geometric shape imaginable. In one or more example embodiments, the peripheries of each individual spine within each plurality of spines are varied throughout such that they are not all shaped in the same shape.

In one or more example embodiments, the device of the present application may be implemented in personal protective equipment, impact protection in automobiles and aerospace vehicles, disposable secondary packaging, transport cases, built-in housing, shock-absorbing infrastructure, soundproofing, or anything of the like.

Spines mimicking the general structure of FIG. 10C have been found to be useful outside of the spine arrays disclosed above. They are useful alone or in combination with other structural elements or other single spines as load-bearing members, and could be employed in a multitude of load-bearing example embodiments. They could find use as struts, as support columns, as sailboat masts, as tent poles, as fishing rods, as protective fencing, or as dental implants. Additional disclosure of such a single spine is provided here with reference again to FIG. 10C, though the example embodiment of FIG. 10C is exemplary only. Indeed, FIGS. 12A and 12B are employed to describe this general concept of employing a single spine as a structural member outside of the spine arrays already disclosed.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B a load-bearing member 300 includes a cylindrical tubular body 301 having longitudinal length L and an interior defining an interior volume V. A plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 having longitudinal length and extending along radial lines from the cylindrical tubular body 301 into the interior volume V toward a center axial line 303, the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 ending prior to the center axial line 303 so as to define channels 304 between neighboring ones of the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302.

In one or more example embodiments, the load-bearing member 300 further comprises a plurality of radial stiffeners 305 within said interior volume V and extending at periodic positions along the longitudinal length L of said cylindrical tubular body 301. In one or more example embodiments, said plurality of radial stiffeners 305 are disc shaped and extend into said channels 304 formed between neighboring ones of the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302. In one or more example embodiments, said plurality of radial stiffeners 305 each extend completely across the entirety of the interior volume V of the load-bearing member 300.

In one or more example embodiments the plurality of radial stiffeners 305 are without apertures such that neighboring ones of said plurality of radial stiffeners 305 create distinct chambers, such as chamber 306 shown in FIG. 12A between them. However it is also contemplated that said radial stiffeners 305 could contain apertures such that neighboring ones of said plurality of radial stiffeners 305 do not create distinct chambers between them.

In one or more example embodiments, said cylindrical tubular body 301 defines a radius which extends from said center axial line 303 to an exterior surface 307 of said cylindrical tubular body 300. Said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 extend into the interior volume V toward said center axial line 303 at a length of in some example embodiments, less than 95 percent of the radius, in other example embodiments less than 85 percent of the radius, and in yet other example embodiments less than 75 percent of the radius. In some example embodiments said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 extend into the interior volume V toward said center axial line 303 at a length of greater than 25 percent of the radius, in other example embodiments greater than 40 percent of the radius, and in yet other example embodiments greater than 50 percent of the radius. In some example embodiments said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 extend into the interior volume V toward said center axial line 303 at a length of from 25 to 95 percent of the radius, in other example embodiments from 40 to 85 percent of the radius, and in yet other example embodiment from 50 to 75 percent of the radius.

In one or more example embodiments, said cylindrical tubular body 301 defines a circumference at said interior, and each of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 extend inwardly from this interior circumference and are positioned about the circumference such that neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 are positioned at less than 90 radial degrees from one other, in other example embodiments at less than 75 radial degrees from one another, and in yet other example embodiments at less than 60 radial degrees from one another. In one or more example embodiments, neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 are positioned at greater than 10 radial degrees from each other, in other example embodiments at greater than 25 degrees from one another, and in yet other example embodiments greater than 40 degrees from one another. In some example embodiments, neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 are positioned at from 90 to 10 radial degrees from each other, in other example embodiments from 75 to 25 radial degrees from each other, and in yet other example embodiments from 60 to 40 radial degrees from each other.

In one or more example embodiments, the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 are positioned at regular intervals around said circumference of the cylindrical tubular body 301.

In one or more example embodiments, the material forming the cylindrical body 301, the longitudinal stiffeners 302, and any radial stiffeners 305 have a modulus of from 1 GPa or more to 10 GPa or less. In one example embodiment, the material forming the cylindrical body 301, the longitudinal stiffeners 302, and any radial stiffeners 305 is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of Nylon, PET, PVC, POM, PEEK, PEI, PC, PSU, XENOY, blend of PC/PBT, blend of PC/PET, TPE, TPU or any combination thereof. In one or more example embodiments, the interior volume V of the load-bearing member 300, not filled by the material of the cylindrical body 301, the longitudinal stiffeners 302, and any radial stiffeners 305, could be filled with air and or any of the materials listed above.

In one or more example embodiments, each spine of each plurality of spines may be composed of a combination of both hard material, suitably with a relatively high density and a softer material with a relatively low density. A low density material suitably includes a fluid such as water or air, in essence the spine would be largely hollow and air would fill the space(s) in an example embodiment. In some example embodiments wherein both hard material and low density material is employed, the low density material occupies the areas seen in example embodiments herein as being hollow.

In one or more example embodiments, the exterior surface 307 of the load-bearing member 300 is a corrugated exterior surface 307. The corrugated exterior surface 307 defines ridges 308 between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 and defines grooves 309 where each one of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 extends from said cylindrical tubular body 301. In such an example embodiment, said ridges 308 form a surface of said channels 304 formed between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302. In example embodiments wherein said exterior surface 307 is a corrugated exterior surface, the corrugated exterior surface 307 still provides a generally circular cross section and thus the longitudinal stiffeners 302 can still be conceived as extending inwardly from said exterior surface. Although the support members 300 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are shown having a corrugated exterior wall, it is also contemplated that said support members could have smooth exterior walls, such as the shown in FIG. 10C.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in some example embodiments, the load-bearing member 300 can further comprise an interior circumferential wall 310 at which said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 end. In such an example embodiment, said circumferential wall 310 will form a surface of said channels 304 formed between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302. In other example embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 12B, the plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 will not end in an interior circumferential wall. In such an example embodiment, the channels 304 formed between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners 302 will be open channels 304.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present application significantly advances the art by providing an impact protection device that is structurally and functionally improved in a number of ways. While particular example embodiments of the application have been disclosed in detail herein, it should be appreciated that the application is not limited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations on the application herein will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the application shall be appreciated from the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An impact protection device comprising: a. a support surface; b. a first plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending in a longitudinal direction upwardly from said support surface, from said base end to said distal end, at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said first plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface; and c. a second plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending upwardly from said support surface from said base end to said distal end at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said second plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface, and wherein each of said second plurality of spines extends such that each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said first plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of said first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward said support surface, said first plurality of flexible spines contacts said second plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.
 2. The impact protection device of claim 1, further comprising a third plurality of flexible spines, each having a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extending upwardly from said support surface from said base end to said distal end at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each of said third plurality of flexible spines creates an overhang over said support surface, each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends such that each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said first plurality of flexible spines and the overhang created by a respective neighboring one of said second plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of said first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward said support surface, a respective one of said first plurality of flexible spines contacts a respective neighboring one of said second plurality of flexible spines and said one of said second plurality of flexible spines contacts a respective neighboring one of said third plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.
 3. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends parallel relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.
 4. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends at a positively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends at a negatively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.
 5. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each of said second plurality of flexible spines extends at a negatively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines, and each of said third plurality of flexible spines extends at a positively transverse angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said first plurality of flexible spines.
 6. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein a row of said first plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a first row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction, wherein a row of said second plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a second row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first row in said longitudinal direction, and wherein a row of said third plurality of flexible spines is aligned in a third row extending in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction and spaced apart from both said first row and second row in said longitudinal direction.
 7. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein the support surface defines a plane and equates to an angle of 0 degrees and each of the first plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees, each of the second plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees, and each of the third plurality of flexible spines extends at an angle between about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.
 8. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein the spines from the first plurality, the second plurality, and the third plurality have shapes selected from the group consisting of a uniform shape from its base to its distal end, a base that is wider than its distal end, a base that is narrower than its distal end, or combinations thereof.
 9. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein the bases of the spines from the first plurality, the second plurality, and the third plurality are connected to the support surface with either a fixed connection, a flexible connection, or a combination thereof.
 10. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein the device further comprises a second support surface and wherein the distal ends of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines are either each connected to the second support surface, are each in contact with the second surface, or a combination thereof.
 11. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines are composed of materials selected from the group consisting of elastomeric material, polymeric material, a shape memory material, a self-healing material, or any combination thereof.
 12. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines contain both longitudinal stiffeners and radial stiffeners, just longitudinal stiffeners and not radial stiffeners, just radial stiffeners and not longitudinal stiffeners, neither longitudinal stiffeners or radial stiffeners, or any combination thereof.
 13. The impact protection device of claim 2, wherein each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines has an elastic modulus of between about 1 GPa and about 10 GPa or any combination thereof; each spine of each of the first plurality of spines, the second plurality of spines, and the third plurality of spines has a length to width ratio of between about 5:1 and about 25:1; and wherein spines of the first plurality of spines, the spines of the second plurality of spines, and the spines of the third plurality of spines are packed on the device at between about 1 and 100 spines per square inch.
 14. A load-bearing member comprising: a cylindrical tubular body having longitudinal length and an interior defining an interior volume; and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners having longitudinal length and extending along radial lines from the cylindrical tubular body into the interior volume toward a center axial line, said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners ending prior to said center axial line so as to define channels between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners.
 15. The load-bearing member of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of radial stiffeners within said interior volume and extending at periodic positions along the longitudinal length of said cylindrical tubular body, wherein said plurality of radial stiffeners are disc shaped and extend into said channels.
 16. The load-bearing member of claim 15, wherein said plurality of radial stiffeners each extend completely across the entirety of the interior volume and wherein the plurality of radial stiffeners are without apertures such that neighboring ones of said plurality of radial stiffeners create distinct chambers between them.
 17. The load-bearing member of claim 14, wherein said cylindrical tubular body defines a radius at said interior and said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners extend into the interior volume toward said center axial line at a length of from 25 to 95 percent of the radius and wherein said cylindrical tubular body defines a circumference at said interior, and each of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned about the circumference such that neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners are positioned at from 90 to 10 radial degrees from each other.
 18. The load-bearing member of claim 14, wherein the material forming the load-bearing member has a modulus of from 1 GPa or more to 10 GPa or less.
 19. The load-bearing member of claim 14, wherein said cylindrical body defines and exterior surface, said exterior surface being corrugated and wherein said corrugated exterior surface defines ridges between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners and defines grooves where each one of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners extend from said cylindrical tubular body, and said ridges form a surface of said channels.
 20. The load-bearing member of claim 14, further comprising an interior circumferential wall at which said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners end and wherein said circumferential wall forms a surface of each said channel formed between neighboring ones of said plurality of longitudinal stiffeners. 